The vote left lawmakers without a solution to the pension issue with only one day left before the Legislature's scheduled adjournment.

The House-backed plan would cut benefits and increase contributions for employees to help cut a $97 billion debt in five pension systems.

But Senate Democrats prefer a plan by Senate President John Cullerton which offers employees a choice of benefits to forgo. He says that plan would survive a court challenge.

Among East Central Illinois senators, only Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) approved the measure.

Gov. Pat Quinn issued a statement, saying the people of Illinois have been let down.

“Every lawmaker in the capitol knows what needs to be done," he said. "Senate Bill 1 is comprehensive public pension reform. It has already passed the House of Representatives and it should pass the Senate, too. Failure to send me a comprehensive pension reform bill hurts our economy and costs Illinois taxpayers $17 million a day."

Quinn is urging the Senate to reconsider the vote. The legislative session is scheduled to end Friday.